For Genestealers, engaging in a direct, frontal confrontation with a well-equipped, regular Astra Militarum force is nearly impossible. In most cases, Genestealers rely on their terrifying numbers and the strategic advantages those numbers provide in urban warfare. To take over a Hive city, they must depend on internal cultists; only by striking from both within and without can they hope to seize control.
"So, there are roughly two hundred million Genestealers in this Hive?" Yuki asked, somewhat surprised. It seemed the Hive cities he had encountered before were not particularly large. Two hundred million Genestealers, plus the uninfected population—this single Hive city likely housed over a billion people. Normally, a billion wouldn't be much for a Hive, but the surface area of this city didn't look that large.
"I've heard the living conditions inside are horrific, yet it happens to be the Hive with the highest concentration of troops. It seems the high-ranking officials know they will eventually face an uprising."
Yuki nodded. The proactive nature of the Genestealers on this planet was likely driven by a Planetary Governor who treated his subjects as less than human. Typically, Genestealer Cults only launch their uprisings once the Tyranid Hive Fleet has arrived, or is just about to. While some cults use slow infiltration to take over a world, this one was different; they had actively initiated a war and summoned the Tyranids themselves.
Even Yuno was intrigued by these people. Since this sector was near the Five Hundred Worlds of Ultramar, the Aether Fleet made a special detour to investigate.
"What's the plan?"
"We've deployed a large number of troops in the vicinity," Lachi explained. "We are gradually tightening the encirclement and cutting off supplies. When the resources inside are nearly exhausted, our brothers and sisters lurking within will rise up. By attacking from both sides, we will completely seize the planet."
"Interesting." Yuki watched the trucks loaded with ammunition, the artillery pieces, and Departmento Munitorum standard weaponry. It was hard to imagine a Genestealer Cult managing to acquire so many high-quality assets. "If only other Genestealers had this much initiative."
"Messenger, how many of our comrades have you seen?"
Yuno thought for a moment before answering, "Quite a few. But most only rise up temporarily after we arrive. Many are even useless, doing nothing more than putting the planet on high alert prematurely."
"So... we're doing quite well then?"
"Yes, you've done very well."
Lachi asked tentatively, "Then, will we be allowed into the Paradise?"
Yuno wore a very gentle smile. "Yes. You will go to the Paradise."
Yuki remained silent. He watched the Genestealers setting up their positions and suddenly asked, "Lachi, do you want to go to Heaven?"
"I do, Lord Messenger. We all do. But we also know that such an opportunity must be earned. That doesn't mean we just endure; we resist, we fight against injustice and evil, until we create a Heaven for ourselves."
"You have a strong spirit."
"Messenger, if you lived on this planet for a few years, you would understand why we desire change so much. Ten-year-old children go down into the mines. Seventy percent don't live past fifteen. Those who make it past fifteen die within ten years because by then, their lungs have turned to stone. Yet the Imperium forces the lower classes to breed. Population is their greatest asset, yet they give the people no hope."
Lachi's tone gradually sharpened with anger. "We've had enough of their lies. We can die, but we want to die for justice and hope, for the true God-Emperor, not for the fake God-Emperor preached by those pathetic, evil men."
Yuki looked at Yuno. Even without words, Yuno knew what he was thinking. Yuki was curious about what would happen to these Genestealers once their illusions were shattered.
"Why do you look more evil than I do?" Yuno sent a telepathic message.
"Just curious."
"Don't try to lie to me. I can tell you're feeling a bit restless."
"I'm not lying."
Lachi was oblivious to this psychic exchange; her attention was drawn to the front lines. The Vostroyan Firstborn garrison within the Hive had launched a counter-encirclement. Their artillery and armored units were slamming into the Genestealer lines. Intense shelling and assault fire instantly tore through the thin defenses. Aside from Purestrain Genestealers and a few unique units, most cultists were extremely fragile.
Fortunately, they had numbers on their side. The sheer amount of roadblocks they had constructed stretched for kilometers, successfully slowing the advance of most armored forces.
Lachi looked worried. She grabbed her rifle, wanting to head over to support them, but Yuki stopped her.
"Don't worry, they won't break through. The Vostroyans have fine equipment, but they are currently short on supplies and manpower. The Genestealers can drown them with numbers alone."
"But our people shouldn't have to die like this!"
"Do not fret. Even the dead will return to His side when He truly descends. Of course, the body needs to remain intact."
Yuki could see what Lachi was hoping for, and he stopped delaying. They were close to the Five Hundred Worlds; even if the Shadow in the Warp hindered communications, the bureaucratic efficiency of the Ultramarines meant it was highly likely a patrol would eventually notice something wrong.
Therefore, the Hive should begin its landing.
"Can you confirm that the planetary defense systems have been disabled?"
"Yes, we have destroyed all of them."
"Then let it begin from the furthest point. If the planet hasn't been taken by the time the Legion arrives, then we shall attack together."
Lachi was overjoyed. "That is wonderful. Thank you."
Yuki felt a sudden wave of sorrow. He looked at the girl so full of hope and wore a helpless expression. "It's fine. This is what you deserve."
Yuno didn't let Yuki see her face. She was wondering what exactly made Yuki show such an odd expression. She understood humans, but she didn't fully understand Yuki—the man who had turned from a human into a Tyranid and become a part of her. It was because of love that she had become like this.
"Yuno?"
"Yes."
"Let them descend."